All things Maple Leaf Festival 2022 in Carthage, Mo.

CARTHAGE, Mo. — The Maple Leaf 2022 Celebration has already begun and we want to be sure you have the details on the week’s events!

COVID shook things up the past two years canceling many events and even canceling the parade in 2020.  This year marks the return of the Maple Leaf Festival Carnival.

You can save money by purchasing arm bands at the  Chamber of Commerce in advance.

Only a few days remain to prepurchase your orange arm band card to take to the carnival to exchange for hours of fun! Stop by the Chamber offices, 402 S. Garrison, before noon on Friday October 14th, to purchase your card. $25 at the Chamber, $30 at the carnival!” — MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 👉🏼 CLICK HERE

GRAND MARSHAL OF 2022 MAPLE LEAF FESTIVAL

Watch for KOAM News Now and Joplin News First this weekend at the Maple Leaf Parade and other events. Scroll below and sign up for our JLNews email list so you don’t miss an article.

 

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Natives react to Independence day and Ukrainian War

JOPLIN, Mo. – While the war in eastern Europe continues, some local Ukrainians are pausing today to honor their country’s Independence Day.

Its been six months since the war started in Ukraine, and today marks the country’s 31st-time commemoration of the Declaration of Independence of 1991 from the Soviet Union.

Oleksandr Holofrish says she is celebrating today with flowers and champagne.

“I lost one of my friends during the war and it is terrible,’ Holofrish said. “It’s really sad to hear that news when you wake up in the morning. My mother is in Ukraine and the decision for her to leave is very hard. She wants to stay in the place she has always lived”.

Lilya, a local seamstress says the war makes celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day hard.

“Honestly, everybody thinks that Ukraine would surrender and the Russians would ultimately win,” Lilya said. “Ukrainian people are strong and I believe they will win the war. The world is watching us and they see we want freedom and independence.”

Watch KOAM and Fox 14 tonight to watch the full story.

Local florist raises money for Ukraine

JOPLIN, Mo. – A florist in Joplin is teaming up with Samaritans Purse to raise money for Ukraine.

Since the national flower of Ukraine is the sunflower, Higdon Florist began selling them to raise funds for Ukrainian citizens that need assistance.

To learn more or purchase an arrangement, click here. All proceeds help people struggling in Ukraine.

WATCH: President Biden to speak from NATO Headquarters

President Joe Biden is holding a press conference from NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium today. You can watch it above, or click here.

Related:

US to welcome up to 100,000 refugees from Ukraine, official says

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — UN General Assembly approves resolution blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urges immediate cease-fire.

BRUSSELS (AP) — G-7 nations restrict Russian Central Bank’s use of gold in transactions; US announces new sanctions against elites.

You can read more on the Crisis in Ukraine here.

News to Know: Sen. Inhofe announces retirement, MSSU professor weighs in on the crisis in Ukraine, and a SEK church raises funds for T&D Donkey Rescue

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Jim Inhofe, Oklahoma’s U.S Senator, announced that he will step down before his six-year term is up. The 87-year-old senator is the ranking republican on the Senate Armed Services committee. He announced his decision Friday. The senator says he decided a few weeks ago to resign so he can spend time with his wife, Kay. Inhofe has held the seat since 1994, and his departure will trigger a special election for his replacement. Inhofe endorsed his chief of staff, Luke Holland, as his replacement. Holland says Inhofe did not attend a press event because the senator has “a mild case of covid”.  Find out how Inhofe’s resignation is shaking up GOP politics.

LIBERAL, Mo. – Located in Liberal, Missouri, T&D Donkey Rescue is a local non-profit organization that works to rescue and help neglected and abused donkeys in the area. But because they are a non-profit, they rely on support from the community to keep the mission alive. So the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frontenac, Kansas held a scrapbooking event to raise money and awareness for the rescue organization.

JOPLIN, Mo. – The relationship between Ukraine and Russia goes back a long time. KOAM went to Missouri Southern to speak with doctor Rebecca Shriver — an Assistant Professor of History. Shriver says a lot of it goes back to the days of the Soviet Union, when Russia controlled Ukraine. But when the Soviet Union fell, many Ukrainians were hopeful that they would get their own independent nation.

JOPLIN, Mo. Ukraine seems far to us, but for some it hits closer to home. A local Joplin woman is one of these people. She worries for her family as Russia continues to invade her former home. Liliya Moos owns Adornable Embroidery and alterations in Joplin. She moved to Joplin from Ukraine in 1998. Moos says she still has many friends and family members in Ukraine. She just wants Ukrainians and those in surrounding countries to have peace and a normal life.  Read the full story here.

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: In light of Russia invading Ukraine, restaurants across the country are showing solidarity by dropping Russian made vodkas and selling Ukrainian brands in their place. This morning we are asking if you think NATO and the EU should be involved… supporting Ukraine. Join our KOAM Facebook discussion and cast your vote on our KOAM InstaPoll @ koamnewsnow.com.

 

Ukrainian native in Joplin fears for family back home

JOPLIN, Mo.–Liliya Moos, owns Adornable embroidery and alterations in Joplin, a native of Odesa Ukraine, her heritage is clear as soon as you walk through the door. All that she’s been able to think about recently…her family in Ukraine’s safety.

“They bombing my city, I call my friends and my relatives. they call my cousin when he says building shake windows so we think we were also windows so they put like in whatever to you know this is tape on windows, cars start to have alarm and so then what has happened and it’s a long boom, second boom, … so scary, very scary.”

Moos moved to Joplin in 1998 to be with her husband who’s from here. She still has relatives and friends, not only in Ukraine but in Russia as well. 

“I have relatives, a lot of relatives, and a lot of friends from both sides. In both sides…Ukraine goes to war-oriented to the democracy. Russia basically goes to the dictator and I think this is what’s the biggest problem between politics in both our two countries.”

Amid Russia’s invasion of her home, Moos prays for peace and normal life for everyone.

“People want on both sides. They want peace. They want regular life. They want to go to work. They want to go home and be with their families and, you know, just normal, peaceful life, both sides.”

And by having it known in her store that she supports the Ukrainian people–her people, she hopes to bring more awareness about Russia’s invasion to people in Joplin.

“Now, everybody knows that it’s Ukraine. It’s not Russia. It’s a different country and people, they like to be independent. They like to be entrepreneurs…they’re hard-working people, very hard-working people. And they want to protect what they have.”

Moos said she hopes to see president Biden take a more aggressive stance to protect Ukraine.

 

Pentagon holds briefing on latest actions in Ukraine

Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby holds an on-the-record press brief. It took place in the Pentagon Press Briefing today, Feb. 25, 2022.

The discussion included troops being on alert and what that means.

You can watch the press briefing below, or, click here to go to the Pentagon’s Facebook page.

“Due to COVID social distancing concerns, there will be 16 chairs for reporters in the room.  The seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  Only one seat per news organization is authorized.” – Pentagon

You can find the latest articles on the Crisis in Ukraine here on KOAMNewsNow.com/ukraine.

US Dept. of State: “Moscow is resorting to outright lies..”

U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Ned Price discusses the latest in Ukraine, actions by Russia and answers questions. They held a briefing today, Feb.25, 2022.

The following quotes are parts of the briefing tweeted by the agency while going live.

“The American people are standing with the people of Ukraine as they suffer an unjustified, unprovoked, and premeditated attack by Russia’s military forces. We will not falter in our resolute support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“Moscow is resorting to outright lies in an effort to weaken the resolve of Ukraine’s military and its people. These tactics are classic intimidation and synonymous with the Kremlin–They are unacceptable.”

“The United States reaffirms that Crimea is Ukraine.”

“The people of Russia are not our enemy. We hold President Putin and his cronies responsible for this war, not them.”

“We stand united with our @NATO  Allies and partners in Europe and around the world on confronting the Russian government and holding Putin to account.”

You can watch the briefing above, or, click here.

Statements on Ukraine out of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma

Russia has invaded Ukraine. You can find statements from 4-State Government officials regarding the crisis below.

You can also find the latest coverage on KOAMNewsNow.com or download the free KOAM News Now app.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson

“Missourians stand with the people of Ukraine and pray for every innocent life put in harm’s way due to this unprovoked and senseless act of Russian aggression. The free world shouldn’t cower to dictators or stand idly by as democracy is threatened.” – @GovParsonMO

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

“Praying for the people of Ukraine. We must ensure Putin pays a heavy price by imposing all possible sanctions. This crisis underscores the need for the U.S. to be energy independent.” – @GovStitt

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.)

“The heinous invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin warrants a fury of sanctions to be imposed on the Russian regime.

This moment is yet another test for President Biden on the world stage. China and our other adversaries are closely watching our nation’s response. I urge the president to enact severe sanctions to swiftly decimate Putin’s further capabilities.

Now, more than ever, Biden must also embrace energy independence for America.

To the Ukrainian people: I stand with you and pray for your health, safety, and freedom as you defend your homeland from this baseless Russian invasion.”

Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.)

“Today, my heart and my prayers are with the proud people of Ukraine. As they are forced to take up arms to defend their homeland from an unprovoked and unconscionable act of war, the rest of the world must stand united in condemnation and rejection of Russia’s aggression.

With this premeditated decision to spill the innocent blood of a peaceful and prosperous nation in an attempt to reshape the world order, the despot of Moscow has reserved his place in history among the worst of humankind. He must—and will—be held accountable to the fullest extent possible for this despicable attempt to oppress an independent nation.

Every generation is tasked with defending freedom from the ever-encroaching threat of tyranny and despotism. This is our moment. Now, more than ever, Americans, our NATO allies, and those who value self-determination must come together with an ironclad commitment to defend the values so many of our countrymen have sacrificed for.

As sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in the West, Putin will increase efforts to sow division around the globe and grow his sphere of influence. We must resist the temptations to turn on each other and, instead, turn our ire toward the true threat to our freedoms at home and abroad.

If anyone in the Fifth District has family or friends in the conflict zone or in need of assistance, please reach out to my district offices immediately.”

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.)

“Russia’s brutal assault on Ukraine and invasion of its territory must be met with strong American resolve. President Biden must act now to hit Vladimir Putin where it hurts, beginning with Russia’s energy sector. The Biden Administration should sanction Russian energy production to a halt, and help arm the Ukrainians to defend themselves. At the same time, the White House should reopen American energy production in full. This is the time to show Russia and the world that America will not reward aggression and it will not be dependent on its enemies.”

Congressman Billy Long (R-Mo.)

“The intelligence Congress was privy to was stellar,” Congressman Long said. “Unfortunately we knew for months that this invasion was coming, and the Biden Administration did very little to stop it. We should have issued severe sanctions against Russia before this invasion occurred, and not waited until after the fact. President Biden has not shown leadership throughout this situation, and it all started when he weakened our national security by reducing American energy production, which increased our reliance on Russian oil. This, coupled with President Biden’s lifting of Nord Stream 2 sanctions, gave Putin exactly what he wanted: more control over Europe and the United States. President Biden should never have lifted those sanctions and lessened our energy independence. This is exactly why energy independence is important to our national security.”

U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)

“Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is an assault against democracy and a destabilizing threat to all of Europe with worldwide ramifications. Our adversaries and allies alike are watching how we respond. We must work with our allied nations to hold Russia accountable. That includes crippling economic sanctions and direct support for Ukraine. A failure to act forcefully will only embolden Russia and other authoritarian nations that seek to undermine peace and democracy around the world.

“For almost eight decades, Western Europe has been a united force with U.S. leadership. It’s important that our newest NATO allies understand our steadfast defensive military commitment to them at this critical moment.”

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)

Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) urged Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately consider a comprehensive and bipartisan sanctions package in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine must be met with severe and unified consequences,” wrote Sen. Moran. “It is essential to demonstrate to the American public and the world that the Senate can work expeditiously and in a bipartisan manner to address matters of global security.”

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS)

“We must make crystal clear that Russia cannot intimidate or invade our allies and partners without significant consequences.

United as a country and with our allies, we must hold Putin accountable for his unjustified and unacceptable aggression.” – @RepDavids

Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS)

“Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine is unacceptable and must be met with swift and severe consequences. The United States stands with the innocent people of Ukraine and is committed to holding Putin and his thugs accountable.

So far, the White House’s approach to Russia’s aggression has failed. President Biden must finally prove he can lead on the world stage by punishing Putin through crippling economic sanctions, providing aid to the brave Ukrainians fighting for democracy, and unleashing American energy production to offset Russian imports.

As our adversaries look on, it’s time we restore American strength and power on the international stage.”